Pope Leo XIV is beginning the first foreign trip of his papacy. Over the next six days he will first visit Turkey for an historic Christian anniversary. He will then visit Lebanon just days after Israeli airstrikes on its capital, Beirut. Visits to both countries had originally been planned by the late Pope Francis, but the overarching theme – building bridges – is one Pope Leo has made his own since his election in May.
In the first six months of his papacy, he has conveyed a measured approach. However, this trip will test his diplomatic skills under public scrutiny. A significant moment will be in Iznik, Turkey, where Pope Leo and leaders of other Christian traditions will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which affirmed key Christian beliefs.
In Turkey, the Pope will also visit the Blue Mosque and meet with religious leaders to foster interfaith dialogue. Meanwhile, plans for his visit to Lebanon remain unchanged despite recent violence. In Lebanon, he aims to uplift the Christian population and will celebrate Mass at the Beirut waterfront, honoring the victims of the 2020 port explosion.
Pope Leo XIV has taken a less political stance than his predecessor while still emphasizing messages of peace. The trip is expected to showcase his bilingual capabilities, as he will communicate in both English and French during events.
In the first six months of his papacy, he has conveyed a measured approach. However, this trip will test his diplomatic skills under public scrutiny. A significant moment will be in Iznik, Turkey, where Pope Leo and leaders of other Christian traditions will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which affirmed key Christian beliefs.
In Turkey, the Pope will also visit the Blue Mosque and meet with religious leaders to foster interfaith dialogue. Meanwhile, plans for his visit to Lebanon remain unchanged despite recent violence. In Lebanon, he aims to uplift the Christian population and will celebrate Mass at the Beirut waterfront, honoring the victims of the 2020 port explosion.
Pope Leo XIV has taken a less political stance than his predecessor while still emphasizing messages of peace. The trip is expected to showcase his bilingual capabilities, as he will communicate in both English and French during events.
